Mobile x-ray detector, x-ray imaging apparatus including mobile x-ray detector, and operating method of mobile x-ray detector and x-ray imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method, performed by a mobile X-ray detector, of processing an X-ray image, including generating the X-ray image of an object by detecting an X-ray transmitted through the object and converting the detected X-ray into an electrical signal; detecting a power supply stoppage which prevents transmission of the generated X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector to a workstation; based on the detecting of the power supply stoppage, storing the X-ray image in a nonvolatile memory inside the mobile X-ray detector; and after storing the X-ray image, deactivating the mobile X-ray detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0142998, filed on Nov. 8, 2019,in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates to a mobile X-ray detector, an X-ray imagingapparatus including the mobile X-ray detector, and an operating methodof the mobile X-ray detector and the X-ray imaging apparatus. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to a mobile X-ray detector thatprocesses an X-ray image when an exceptional situation occurs in whichthe X-ray image generated by the mobile X-ray detector is unable to betransmitted to a workstation.

2. Description of Related Art

X-rays are electromagnetic waves having wavelengths of 0.01 to 100angstroms (Å), and may be widely used, due to their ability to penetrateobjects, in medical apparatuses for imaging the inside of a living bodyor in non-destructive testing equipment for industrial use.

A basic principle of an X-ray imaging apparatus using X-rays is that aninternal structure of an object may be examined by transmitting X-raysemitted from an X-ray tube, or an X-ray source, through the object anddetecting a difference in intensities of the transmitted X-rays via anX-ray detector.

Recently, a wireless X-ray detector including a battery and a wirelesscommunicator for wirelessly transmitting/receiving X-ray image datato/from an external device such as a workstation has been used. Awireless X-ray detector may be easy to carry, may have few restrictionswith respect to an imaging space, and may improve user convenience, andthus is widely used. An X-ray image generated by a wireless X-raydetector may be stored in an internal memory, and a volatile memoryhaving a high write speed and having no upper limit on the number ofupdates may be used as the internal memory. However, when there occursan exceptional situation where an X-ray image is unable to betransmitted to a workstation, for example, when a battery of a mobileX-ray detector has no remaining amount, the battery is separated, orpower is forcibly turned off due to an external input, power supply to avolatile memory may be cut off and thus image information may be lost.Once X-ray image data generated by the mobile X-ray detector is lost,re-imaging may be needed, which may include unnecessarily re-emitting anX-ray to a patient's body, thereby leading to excessive X-ray emissionexposure.

SUMMARY

Provided are a mobile X-ray detector for processing an X-ray image in anexceptional situation in which the X-ray image is unable to betransmitted to a workstation, and an operating method of the mobileX-ray detector.

Provided are an X-ray imaging apparatus for processing an X-ray imagethat is not transmitted, or whose transmission is stopped, from amongX-ray images obtained by a mobile X-ray detector, and an operatingmethod of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method, performed by amobile X-ray detector, of processing an X-ray image, includes generatingthe X-ray image of an object by detecting an X-ray transmitted throughthe object and converting the detected X-ray into an electrical signal;detecting a power supply stoppage which prevents transmission of thegenerated X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector to a workstation;based on the detecting of the power supply stoppage, storing the X-rayimage in a nonvolatile memory inside the mobile X-ray detector; andafter storing the X-ray image, deactivating the mobile X-ray detector.

The method may further include determining that the storing of the X-rayImage in the nonvolatile memory is completed, and the mobile X-raydetector may be deactivated after the storing of the X-ray image isdetermined to be completed.

The power supply stoppage may occur based on a user input of pressing apower button disposed on a side portion of the mobile X-ray detector andexposed to an outside of the mobile X-ray detector, and the deactivatingthe mobile X-ray detector may include counting an amount of time forwhich the power button is pressed; and based on the counted amount oftime being greater than a predetermined amount of time, deactivating themobile X-ray detector.

The detecting of the power supply stoppage may include detecting aremoval of a main battery mounted on the mobile X-ray detector, and themethod may further include supplying power to the mobile X-ray detectorthrough an auxiliary power supplier located inside the mobile X-raydetector for a predetermined time after detecting the removal of themain battery.

The predetermined time may start when power is supplied to the mobileX-ray detector using power pre-stored in the auxiliary power supplier,and may end when the pre-stored power is exhausted, and the X-ray imagemay be stored in the nonvolatile memory during the predetermined time.

The method may further include detecting whether an external memory cardis inserted into a socket of the mobile X-ray detector; and identifyingstate information comprising at least one of a type of the externalmemory card, compatibility information, capacity information, orinformation about whether a write operation is possible, and the storingof the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory may include storing theX-ray image in the external memory card based on the state information.

The method may further include after the mobile X-ray detector isdeactivated, detecting a power supply activation; and after the powersupply activation is detected, reactivating the mobile X-ray detectorand transmitting the X-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory to theworkstation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a mobile X-ray detectorfor processing an X-ray image, includes an X-ray receiver configured todetect an X-ray transmitted through an object and convert the detectedX-ray into an electrical signal; a communicator configured to performdata communication with a workstation; a memory configured to storeinstructions for processing the X-ray image; a processor configured toexecute the instructions stored in the memory; and a power supplierconfigured to supply power to the X-ray receiver, the processor, thememory, and the communicator, wherein the processor is configured to:generate the X-ray image of the object by using the electrical signal,detect a power supply stoppage which prevents transmission of the X-rayimage to the workstation, based on the detecting of the power supplystoppage, store the X-ray image in a nonvolatile memory, and deactivatethe mobile X-ray detector after the X-ray image is stored.

The processor may be further configured to determine that the storing ofthe X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory is completed, and then controlthe power supplier to deactivate the mobile X-ray detector.

The mobile X-ray detector may further include a power button disposed ona side portion of the mobile X-ray detector and exposed to an outside ofthe mobile X-ray detector, the power supply stoppage may occur due to auser input of pressing the power button, and the processor may befurther configured to count an amount of time for which the power buttonis pressed, and when the counted amount of time is greater than apredetermined threshold amount of time, deactivate the mobile X-raydetector.

The power supplier may include a main battery detachably mounted on themobile X-ray detector and an auxiliary power supplier located inside themobile X-ray detector, and the processor may be further configured todetect a removal of the main battery and to control the auxiliary powersupplier to supply power to the X-ray receiver, the processor, thememory, and the communicator for a predetermined time after detectingthe removal of the main battery.

The predetermined time may start when power is supplied to the mobileX-ray detector using power pre-stored in the auxiliary power supplier,and may end when the pre-stored power is exhausted, and the processormay be further configured to store the X-ray image in the nonvolatilememory during the predetermined time.

The memory may include an external memory card inserted into a socket ofthe mobile X-ray detector and capable of storing data, and the processormay be further configured to: detect whether the external memory card isinserted into the socket, identify state information comprising at leastone of a type of the external memory card, compatibility information,capacity information, or information about whether a write operation ispossible, and store the X-ray image in the external memory card based onthe state information.

The processor may be further configured to detect a power supplyactivation after the mobile X-ray detector is deactivated, and toreactivate the mobile X-ray detector and control the communicator totransmit the X-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory to theworkstation after the power supply activation is detected.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an operating method of anX-ray apparatus including a mobile X-ray detector and a workstationincludes displaying, by the workstation, on a display of theworkstation, at least one user interface (UI) indicating imaginginformation of at least one non-transmitted X-ray image from among X-rayimages generated by the mobile X-ray detector; receiving, by theworkstation, a user input selecting a UI of the displayed at least oneU; transmitting, by the workstation, to the mobile X-ray detector,imaging information of an X-ray image corresponding to the selected UIand a request signal for requesting transmission the X-ray image;identifying, by the mobile X-ray detector, the X-ray image based on thereceived imaging information from among the at least one non-transmittedX-ray image stored in a nonvolatile memory, in response to the requestsignal; transmitting, by the mobile X-ray detector, the identified X-rayimage to the workstation; and displaying, by the workstation, the X-rayimage transmitted by the mobile X-ray detector on the display.

The imaging information may include patient identification informationand imaging protocol information of the at least one non-transmittedX-ray image.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an operating method of anX-ray imaging apparatus including a mobile X-ray detector and aworkstation includes transmitting, by the mobile X-ray detector, to theworkstation, imaging information of a plurality of X-ray imagesgenerated by the mobile X-ray detector and information abouttransmission of the plurality of X-ray images; upon receiving theimaging information of the plurality of X-ray images and the informationabout the transmission of the plurality of X-ray images, transmitting,by the workstation, a request signal for requesting a plurality ofthumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of X-ray images to themobile X-ray detector; generating, by the mobile X-ray detector, theplurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of X-rayimages in response to the request signal, and transmitting the generatedplurality of thumbnail images to the workstation; displaying, by theworkstation, the plurality of thumbnail images received from the mobileX-ray detector on a display; receiving, by the workstation, a user inputselecting a thumbnail image of the displayed plurality of thumbnailimages; transmitting, by the workstation, a request signal forrequesting to transmit an X-ray image corresponding to the thumbnailimage selected based on the user input to the mobile X-ray detector; andtransmitting, by the mobile X-ray detector, the X-ray image to theworkstation.

The operating method may further include: detecting, by the workstation,a non-transmitted X-ray image; and displaying a user interface (UI) forrequesting transmission of the non-transmitted X-ray image on thedisplay, and the transmitting of the imaging information of theplurality of X-ray images and the information about the transmission ofthe plurality of X-ray images to the workstation may be performed inresponse to a user input selecting the UI.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an X-ray imaging apparatusincludes a mobile X-ray detector; and a workstation, wherein theworkstation includes a display; a user input interface; a communicatorconfigured to perform data communication with the mobile X-ray detector,and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: control thedisplay to display at least one user interface (UI) indicating imaginginformation of at least one non-transmitted X-ray image from among X-rayimages generated by the mobile X-ray detector, control the user inputinterface to receive a user input selecting a UI of the at least one UI,and control the communicator to transmit, to the mobile X-ray detector,imaging information of an X-ray image corresponding to the selected UIand a request signal for requesting transmission of the X-ray image,wherein the mobile X-ray detector is configured to identify the X-rayimage based on the received imaging information from among the at leastone non-transmitted X-ray image stored in a nonvolatile memory based onthe request signal received from the workstation, and to transmit theidentified X-ray image to the workstation, and wherein the controllermay be further configured to control the display to display the X-rayimage obtained from the mobile X-ray detector on the display.

The imaging information may include patient identification informationand imaging protocol information of the at least one non-transmittedX-ray image.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an X-ray imaging apparatusincludes a mobile X-ray detector; and a workstation, wherein theworkstation includes: a display; a user input interface; a communicatorconfigured to perform data communication with the mobile X-ray detector;and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: control thecommunicator to receive, from the mobile X-ray detector, imaginginformation of a plurality of X-ray images generated by the mobile X-raydetector and information about transmission of the plurality of X-rayimages, after receiving the imaging information of the plurality ofX-ray images and the information about the transmission of the pluralityof X-ray images, transmit a request signal for requesting a plurality ofthumbnail images of the plurality of X-ray images to the mobile X-raydetector, and receive the plurality of thumbnail images from the mobileX-ray detector, control the display to display the plurality ofthumbnail images on the display, and control the communicator to receivea user input selecting a thumbnail image of the displayed plurality ofthumbnail images through the user input interface and transmit, to themobile X-ray detector, a request signal for requesting transmission ofan X-ray image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image, andwherein the mobile X-ray detector is configured to: generate theplurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of X-rayimages in response to the request signal, transmit the generatedplurality of thumbnail images to the workstation, and transmit the X-rayimage to the workstation.

The controller may be further configured to detect a non-transmittedX-ray image and to control the display to display, on the display, auser interface (UI) for requesting transmission of the non-transmittedX-ray image.

The controller may be further configured to receive a user inputselecting the UI through the user input interface, and to transmit, tothe mobile X-ray detector, a request signal requesting transmission ofthe imaging information of the plurality of X-ray images and theinformation about the transmission of the plurality of X-ray imagesbased on the received user input, and the mobile X-ray detector may befurther configured to transmit the imaging information of the pluralityof X-ray images and the information about the transmission of theplurality of X-ray images to the workstation based on the requestsignal.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a computer-readablerecording medium may have embodied thereon at least one program forexecuting the methods disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exterior view illustrating a configuration of an X-rayimaging apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile X-ray detector according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exterior view of a mobile X-ray apparatus according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a front surface of a mobileX-ray detector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of a mobileX-ray detector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating examples of elements of a mobileX-ray detector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains an X-ray image of an object, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operating method of a mobile X-ray detector,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method by which a mobile X-ray detector turnsoff power according to an input pressing a power button, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram of a power supplier inside a mobile X-raydetector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a circuit diagram of a power supplier inside a mobile X-raydetector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation performed by a mobileX-ray detector based on a power supply state of the power supplier,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of turning off power when powersupply to a mobile X-ray detector is stopped or cut off, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method by which a mobile X-ray detectorprocesses an X-ray image, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusprocesses an X-ray image stored in an external memory card of the mobileX-ray detector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusprocesses an X-ray image stored in an external memory card of a mobileX-ray detector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating examples of elements of aworkstation according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a user interface (UI) displayed on a display ofa workstation, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains a non-transmitted X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector anddisplays the obtained X-ray image, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a UI displayed on the display of theworkstation, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains an X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector, according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the disclosure are described in greater detailbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals may beused for the same elements even in different drawings. The mattersdefined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements,are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of embodimentsof the disclosure. Thus, it is apparent that embodiments of thedisclosure may be carried out without those specifically definedmatters. Also, well-known functions or constructions may not describedin detail because they would obscure embodiments of the disclosure withunnecessary detail.

Terms such as “part” and “portion” used herein denote those that may beembodied by software or hardware. According to embodiments of thedisclosure, a plurality of parts or portions may be embodied by a singleunit or element, or a single part or portion may include a plurality ofelements.

Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c”may indicate only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both band c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

In the present disclosure, an “object” may be a target to be imaged andmay include a human, an animal, or a part of a human or animal. Forexample, the object may include a body part (an organ, tissue, etc.) ora phantom.

FIG. 1 is an exterior diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-rayimaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.1 will be described assuming that the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is afixed X-ray imaging apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may include anX-ray emitter 110 for generating and emitting an X-ray, an X-raydetector 200 for detecting an X-ray emitted from the X-ray emitter 110and transmitted through an object, and a workstation 180 for receiving acommand from a user and providing information to the user. Also, theX-ray imaging apparatus 100 may include a controller 120 for controllingthe X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the command and acommunicator 140 for communicating with an external device.

Some or all of the components of the controller 120 and the communicator140 may be included in the workstation 180 or provided separately fromthe workstation 180.

The X-ray emitter 110 may include an X-ray source for generating anX-ray and a collimator for adjusting an emission area of the X-raygenerated by the X-ray source.

A guide rail 30 may be installed on the ceiling of an examination roomwhere the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is located, the X-ray emitter 110may be moved to a location corresponding to a location of a targetobject P by connecting the X-ray emitter 110 to a moving carriage 40moving along the guide rail 30, and the moving carriage 40 and the X-rayemitter 110 may be connected to each other through a foldable post frame50 to adjust a height of the X-ray emitter 110.

The workstation 180 may include an input interface 181 for receivingcommands from the user and a display 182 for displaying information.

The input interface 181 may receive commands for controlling an imagingprotocol, imaging conditions, an imaging timing, a position of the X-rayemitter 110, etc. The input interface 181 may include a keyboard, amouse, a touchscreen, a voice recognizer, etc.

The display 182 may display a screen image for guiding an input of auser, an X-ray image, a screen image showing a state of the X-rayimaging apparatus 100, etc.

The controller 120 may control the imaging timing and the imagingconditions of the X-ray emitter 110 according to the command input fromthe user and may generate a medical image by using image data receivedfrom the X-ray detector 200. Furthermore, the controller 120 may controlpositions or postures of mount portions 14 and 24 on which the X-rayemitter 110 or the X-ray detector 200 is mounted according to theimaging protocol and a position of the target object P.

The controller 120 may include a memory for storing a program forperforming the above-described operation and other operations and aprocessor for executing the stored program. The controller 120 mayinclude a single processor or a plurality of processors, and in thelatter case, the plurality of processors may be integrated on a singlechip or may be physically separated from one another.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may be connected to an external device,for example an external server 310, a medical device 320, or a portableterminal 330, for example a smart phone, a tablet personal computer(PC), or a wearable device, via the communicator 140 and may transmit orreceive data.

The communicator 140 may include at least one component forcommunication with an external device. For example, the communicator 140may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wiredcommunication module, or a wireless communication module.

Furthermore, the communicator 140 may receive a control signal from anexternal device, and may transmit the received control signal to thecontroller 120 so that the controller 120 controls the X-ray imagingapparatus 100 according to the received control signal.

Furthermore, the controller 120 may control an external device accordingto a control signal of the controller 120 by transmitting the controlsignal to the external device through the communicator 140. For example,the external device may process data of the external device according tothe control signal of the controller 120 received via the communicator140.

Furthermore, the communicator 140 may further include an internalcommunication module for communication among the components of the X-rayimaging apparatus 100. Because a program for controlling the X-rayimaging apparatus 100 may be installed on the external device, theprogram may include an instruction for performing some or all ofoperations of the controller 120.

The program may be installed in the portable terminal 330 in advance orthe user of the portable terminal 330 may download the program from aserver that provides applications and may install the program. Theserver providing the applications may include a recording medium inwhich the program is stored.

The X-ray detector 200 may be a fixed X-ray detector fixed to a stand 20or a table 10, may be detachably mounted to the mount portions 14 and24, or may be a portable X-ray detector that may be used at an arbitrarylocation. When the X-ray detector 200 is a portable X-ray detector, theX-ray detector 200 may be of a wire type or a wireless type depending ona data transmission method and a power supply method.

The X-ray detector 200 may be included as an element of the X-rayimaging apparatus 100 or may not be included. In the latter case, theX-ray detector 200 may be registered in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100by the user. Furthermore, in both cases, the X-ray detector 200 may beconnected to the controller 120 through the communicator 140 and receivea control signal or transmit image data.

A sub-user interface 80 for providing information to the user andreceiving a command from the user may be provided on a side surface ofthe X-ray emitter 110, and some or all of functions performed by theinput interface 181 and the display 182 of the workstation 180 may beperformed by the sub-user interface 80.

When all or some of the components of the controller 120 and thecommunicator 140 are provided separately from the workstation 180, thecomponents may be included in the sub-user interface 80 provided on theX-ray emitter 110.

Although FIG. 1 shows a fixed X-ray imaging apparatus connected to theceiling of an examination room, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may bean X-ray imaging apparatus having any of various structures within arange that is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as aC-arm type X-ray apparatus or a mobile X-ray apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray detector 200 according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

As described above, the X-ray detector 200 used in the X-ray imagingapparatus 100 may be implemented as a portable X-ray detector. The X-raydetector 200 may be equipped with a battery for supplying power tooperate wirelessly, or as shown in FIG. 2, may operate by connecting acharging port 201 to a separate power supply via a cable C.

A case 203 may maintain an external appearance of the X-ray detector 200and may have therein a plurality of detecting elements for detectingX-rays and converting the X-rays into image data, a memory fortemporarily or permanently storing the image data, a communicationmodule for receiving a control signal from the X-ray imaging apparatus100 or transmitting the image data to the X-ray imaging apparatus 100,and a battery. Further, image correction information and intrinsicidentification (ID) information of the X-ray detector 200 may be storedin the memory, and the stored ID information may be transmitted togetherwith the image data during communication with the X-ray imagingapparatus 100.

Examples of mobile X-ray detectors will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an exterior view of a mobile X-ray apparatus that is an X rayimaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same elements,and thus a repeated explanation of the reference numerals will beomitted.

An X-ray imaging apparatus may be implemented not only as the ceilingtype as described above, but also as a mobile type. When the X-rayimaging apparatus 100 is implemented as a mobile X-ray apparatus, a mainbody 101 to which the X-ray emitter 110 is connected may freely move andan arm 103 that connects the X-ray emitter 110 and the main body 101 mayalso be rotated and linearly move, and thus the X-ray emitter 110 mayfreely move in a three-dimensional (3D) space.

A holder 105 may be formed on the main body 101 to accommodate the X-raydetector 200. A charging terminal may be located in the holder 105 tocharge the X-ray detector 200. Thus, the holder 105 may be used toaccommodate and charge the X-ray detector 200.

An input device 151, a display 152, the controller 120, and thecommunicator 140 may be provided on the main body 101. Image dataacquired by the X-ray detector 200 may be transmitted to the main body101 for image processing, and then a resulting image may be displayed onthe display 152 or transmitted to an external device via thecommunicator 140.

The controller 120 and the communicator 140 may be separate from themain body 101, or only some components of the controller 120 and thecommunicator 140 may be provided on the main body 101.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a front surface of a mobileX-ray detector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may include ahousing 1010 that surrounds elements, an external memory socket 1020, acharging port 1030, and a power button 1540.

Although the housing 1010 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in FIG.4A, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the housing 1010 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shapehaving a front surface 1010 a on which an X-ray may be incident, a rearsurface 1010 b, as shown for example in FIG. 4B, facing the frontsurface 1010 a, and four side portions. The housing 1010 may be formedof, for example, a conductive resin. In an embodiment of the disclosure,the housing 1010 may perform an electromagnetic wave shielding functionof preventing penetration of electromagnetic waves into the mobile X-raydetector 1000 and radiation of electromagnetic waves from the mobileX-ray detector 1000 to the outside.

A transmission plate may be formed on the front surface 1010 a of thehousing 1010. The transmission plate may be formed of a carbon materialhaving a light weight, a high stiffness, and a high X-ray transmittance.

The external memory socket 1020 into which an external memory card 1330is inserted may be formed in a side portion of the housing 1010. Theexternal memory socket 1020 may be formed as an opening in one of thefour side portions of the housing 1010.

The charging port 1030 into which a cable C is inserted may be formed ina side portion of the housing 1010. The charging port 1030 may beconnected to the cable C, and may receive power from an external powersupply through the cable C.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the charging port 1030 may operateas a connector for transmitting/receiving data by wire to/from aworkstation as well as supplying power. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may be connected to theworkstation through the cable C connected to the charging port 1030, andmay transmit/receive imaging information or X-ray image data.

The power button 1540 may be formed on a side portion of the housing1010 to protrude outward. The power button 1540 may be a button forcontrolling power on/off of the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In anembodiment of the disclosure, when the mobile X-ray detector 1000 is inan on state and a user presses the power button 1540, a power-off signalfor instructing to turn off power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maybe input to a processor 1200, as shown for example in FIG. 5, and theprocessor 1200 may identify a time when an input is received at thepower button 1540 based on a time when the power-off signal is received.The processor 1200 may determine to turn off power of the mobile X-raydetector 1000 within a predetermined time from the time when thepower-off signal is received.

Although not shown in FIG. 4A, an indicator indicating information aboutan operation state of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 such as an on/offstate of a main battery, a capacity of the main battery, or an imagingpreparation state may be formed on a side portion of the housing 1010.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the indicator may include alight-emitting diode (LED).

FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the mobileX-ray detector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a main battery 1512 and a battery mount portion1550 on which the main battery 1512 is mounted may be formed on the rearsurface 1010 b of the housing 1010. An auxiliary battery 1522 that isnot exposed to the outside may be located inside the housing 1010.

The main battery 1512 may supply power to each element of the mobileX-ray detector 1000. The main battery 1512 may include a rechargeablesecondary battery. The main battery 1512 may include at least one of,for example, a nickel battery, a lithium-ion battery, a polymer battery,a lithium polymer battery, or a lithium sulfide battery.

The battery mount portion 1550 may be formed on a central portion of therear surface 1010 b of the housing 1010. The main battery 1512 may bemounted on the battery mount portion 1550. The main battery 1512 may bedetachably mounted on the battery mount portion 1550. Although not shownin FIG. 4B, a locking device for preventing detachment of the mainbattery 1512 by fixing the main battery 1512 to the battery mountportion 1550 may be formed on the battery mount portion 1550. Thelocking device may be released by the user's manipulation.

The battery mount portion 1550 may include a sensor for detectingseparation or removal of the main battery 1512, for example due to auser's manipulation or due to accidental or unintentional separation.The sensor may include, for example, a photosensitive sensor or a microswitch. The sensor may detect detachment such as separation or removalof the main battery 1512 from the battery mount portion 1550, and mayprovide to the processor 1200 information about whether and when themain battery 1512 is detached.

The auxiliary battery 1522 may be located in the housing 1010. When themain battery 1512 is separated or removed from the battery mount portion1550 or a remaining amount of charge of the main battery 1512 is notenough to operate the mobile X-ray detector 1000, the auxiliary battery1522, instead of the main battery 1512, may supply power to some or allof the elements of the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

Although the auxiliary battery 1522 includes a rechargeable secondarybattery, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the auxiliary battery 1522 may include a rechargeable powerstorage element such as an electric double-layer condenser, alithium-ion capacitor, or a super-capacitor.

A power on/off state of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may be linked todetachment of the main battery 1512 from the battery mount portion 1550.For example, when the main battery 1512 is separated or removed from thebattery mount portion 1550, power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maybe turned off, and when the main battery 1512 is mounted on the batterymount portion 1550 again, power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may beturned on. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and when themain battery 1512 is separated from the battery mount portion 1550,power may be supplied by the auxiliary battery 1522 or the charging port1030 to the mobile X-ray detector 1000. When power is supplied by theauxiliary battery 1522, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may be kept in anon state only for a period of time from when power is supplied by theauxiliary battery 1522 to when power pre-stored in the auxiliary battery1522 is exhausted. A specific example where power is supplied by theauxiliary battery 1522 according to separation or removal of the mainbattery 1512 from the battery mount portion 1550 will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, only elements exposed to the outside of the housing1010 of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 have been described. Examples ofelements included in the mobile X-ray detector 1000 but not exposed tothe outside will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating elements of the mobile X-raydetector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may include an X-rayreceiver 1100, the processor 1200, a memory 1300, a communicator 1400,and a power supplier 1500. In embodiments, power supplier may refer to apower supply.

The X-ray receiver 1100 may detect an X-ray emitted to an object by anX-ray emitter, for example an X-ray tube, and transmitted through theobject, and may generate an electrical signal corresponding to anintensity of the detected X-ray. The X-ray receiver 1100 may include ascintillator 1110 and a light detector 1120.

The scintillator 1110 may convert the X-ray transmitted through theobject into visible light and may detect the visible light. Thescintillator 1110 may emit photons in a visible wavelength range throughreaction with the X-ray incident on the mobile X-ray detector 1000. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, when the X-ray receiver 1100 directlyconverts the X-ray into charges and directly detects the charges, thescintillator 1110 may replace a photon-counting detector.

The light detector 1120 may receive the photons emitted by thescintillator 1110, and may convert the photons into an electricalsignal. The light detector 1120 may provide the electrical signal to theprocessor 1200. The light detector 1120 may include a substrate in whicha plurality of pixels are arranged, for example, in a two-dimensionalN×M array. The plurality of pixels formed in the substrate of the lightdetector 1120 may include a photoelectric converter that generatescharges according to visible light and accumulates the generated chargesand a switching element that is connected to the photoelectric converterand detects the charges accumulated in the photoelectric converter. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the switching element may include, butis not limited to, a thin-film transistor (TFT).

The processor 1200 may generate an X-ray image of the object by usingthe electrical signal obtained from the X-ray receiver 1100. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may include anamplifier circuit that amplifies an analog signal obtained from thelight detector 1120 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chip thatconverts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may perform afunction or an operation by executing program code or instructionsstored in the memory 1300. Program code, instructions, or data forperforming functions or operations of processing the generated X-rayimage may be stored in the memory 1300.

The processor 1200 may include at least one of, but not limited to, acentral processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit,an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), aprogrammable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array(FPGA). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 mayinclude an application processor (AP).

The memory 1300 may include a hardware device that stores program codeincluding data and instructions for performing functions or operationsof processing the X-ray image. The memory 1300 may include a volatilememory 1310 and a nonvolatile memory 1320. The volatile memory 1310 mayinclude, for example, a random-access memory (RAM) or a staticrandom-access memory (SRAM). The nonvolatile memory 1320 may include atleast one type of storage medium from among, for example, a flashmemory, an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), a hard disk, a read-onlymemory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, amagnetic disk, or an optical disk.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the memory 1300 may further include theexternal memory card 1330, as shown for example in FIG. 4A. The externalmemory card 1330 may include a multimedia card micro type or card typememory, for example an SD memory or an XD memory.

Although the processor 1200 and the memory 1300 are separate elements inFIG. 5, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the processor 1200 and the memory 1300 may be implemented asa single chip.

The processor 1200 may store the generated X-ray image in the volatilememory 1310. After the processor 1200 stores the X-ray image in thevolatile memory 1310, the processor 1200 may transmit the X-ray imagestored in the volatile memory 1310 to a workstation through thecommunicator 1400. The X-ray image may be stored in the volatile memory1310 because an operation speed of the volatile memory 1310 is higherthan that of the nonvolatile memory 1320 and thus a storage speed of theX-ray image may be high. However, the X-ray image may be stored in thevolatile memory 1310 only once for a certain time, and after the X-rayimage is transmitted to the workstation, the X-ray image may beautomatically deleted. When there occurs an exceptional situation wherepower supply from the power supplier 1500 is stopped or cut off and thusthe X-ray image stored in the volatile memory 1310 is unable to betransmitted to the workstation, the X-ray image stored in the volatilememory 1310 may be deleted.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may receive asignal indicating that power supply by the power supplier 1500 isstopped or cut off from a power controller 1530, and may detect theoccurrence of the exceptional situation where the X-ray image is unableto be transmitted to the workstation based on the received signal. Whenthe processor 1200 detects the occurrence of the exceptional situation,the processor 1200 may store the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory1320.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may determinethat the storing of the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory 1320 iscompleted, and then may control the power controller 1530 to turn offpower of the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may detect auser's input of pressing the power button 1540, as shown for example inFIG. 4A. The processor 1200 may count a time for which the inputpressing the power button 1540 lasts, may compare the counted time witha predetermined threshold time, and when the counted time is greaterthan the threshold time, may control the power controller 1530 to turnoff power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, even when the power button 1540 ispressed, until the storing of the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory1320 is completed, the processor 1200 may control the power controller1530 not to transmit a cut-off signal so that it is impossible to turnoff power.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may recognize astate where the main battery 1512 is removed from the battery mountportion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 4B, and may control the powercontroller 1530 to supply power to the X-ray receiver 1100, theprocessor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator 1400 by using theauxiliary power supplier 1520 for a predetermined time from when theremoval of the main battery 1512 is detected. The processor 1200 maystore the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory 1320 for thepredetermined time.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may detectwhether the external memory card 1330, as shown for example in FIG. 4A,is inserted into the external memory socket 1020, as shown for examplein FIG. 4A. The processor 1200 may identify state information includingat least one of a card type of the external memory card 1330,compatibility information with the mobile X-ray detector 1000, capacityinformation, or information about whether a write operation is possible,and may store the X-ray image in the external memory card 1330 based onthe identified state information.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may detect thatpower supply is resumed after the power of the mobile X-ray detector1000 is turned off, and then may control the communicator 1400 totransmit the X-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 to theworkstation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may receiveimaging information of the X-ray image selected by the user and arequest signal for requesting to transmit the X-ray image, from the workstation from the workstation through the communicator 1400. Theprocessor 1200 may identify the X-ray image corresponding to thereceived imaging information from among at least one non-transmittedX-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 in response to thereceived request signal, and may control the communicator 1400 totransmit the identified X-ray image to the workstation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may receive arequest signal for requesting to transmit a plurality of thumbnailimages of a plurality of X-ray images stored in the nonvolatile memory1320, from the workstation through the communicator 1400. The processor1200 may generate a plurality of thumbnail images by performing imageconversion on the plurality of images stored in the nonvolatile memory1320 in response to the received request signal. The processor 1200 maycontrol the communicator 1400 top transmit the generated plurality ofthumbnail images to the workstation.

The communicator 1400 may perform data communication by using a wired orwireless communication method with the workstation. The communicator1400 may perform data communication with the workstation by using atleast one of data communication methods including wired local areanetwork (LAN), wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi direct(WFD), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE),near field communication (NFC), wireless broadband Internet (Wibro),world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), shared wirelessaccess protocol (SWAP), wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig), and radiofrequency (RF) communication.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communicator 1400 may receiveimaging information about X-ray imaging from the workstation, and maytransmit an imaging preparation signal and the currently obtainedimaging information. In an embodiment of the disclosure, thecommunicator 1400 may receive an X-ray imaging instruction signal fromthe workstation, and may provide the received X-ray imaging instructionsignal to the processor 1200.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communicator 1400 may transmitthe X-ray image to the workstation under the control of the processor1200.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communicator 1400 may transmitimaging information of each of a plurality of X-ray images generated bythe processor 1200 and information about transmission to theworkstation, under the control of the processor 1200.

The power supplier 1500 may supply power to the X-ray receiver 1100, theprocessor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator 1400. The powersupplier 1500 may include a main power supplier 1510, an auxiliary powersupplier 1520, and the power controller 1530.

The main power supplier 1510 may include a main battery 1512 and adirect current to direct current (DC/DC) converter 1514. When there doesnot occur an exceptional situation where, for example, the main battery1512 is separated or removed from the battery mount portion 1550, asshown for example in FIG. 4B, a remaining amount of charge of the mainbattery 1512 is not enough to operate the mobile X-ray detector 1000, orthe power button 1540, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, is pressed bythe user's manipulation, the main battery 1512 may supply driving powerto each element of the mobile X-ray detector 1000. The main battery 1512may include a rechargeable secondary battery. The main battery 1512 mayinclude at least one of, for example, a nickel battery, a lithium-ionbattery, a polymer battery, a lithium polymer battery, or a lithiumsulfide battery.

The main battery 1512 may supply driving power to the X-ray receiver1100, the processor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator 1400 ata rated voltage of, for example, 12 V.

The DC/DC converter 1514 may convert a voltage of the main battery 1512.The DC/DC converter 1514 may convert a DC voltage applied from the mainbattery 1512 into a specific driving voltage value according to eachelement. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the DC/DC converter 1514may include a plurality of DC/DC converters. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the DC/DC converter 1514 may include a first DC/DC converterthat converts 12 V that is the rated voltage of the main battery 1512into 5 V, a second DC/DC converter that converts the voltage of 5 V into3.3 V, and a third DC/DC converter that converts the voltage of 5 V into1.35 V. The voltage of 5V obtained by the first DC/DC converter may beapplied to the auxiliary battery 1522. The voltage of 3.3 V obtained bythe second DC/DC converter and the voltage of 1.35 V obtained by thethird DC/DC converter may be applied to the processor 1200 that may be alow-power CPU and the voltage of 1.35 V may be applied to the memory1300.

The auxiliary power supplier 1520 may include an auxiliary battery 1522.When an exceptional situation occurs in which the main battery 1512 isseparated or removed from the battery mount portion 1550, as shown forexample in FIG. 4B, a remaining amount of charge of the main battery1512 is not enough to operate the mobile X-ray detector 1000, or thepower button 1540, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, is pressed by theuser, the auxiliary battery 1522, instead of the main battery 1512, maysupply driving power to the X-ray receiver 1100, the processor 1200, thememory 1300, and the communicator 1400.

The auxiliary battery 1522 may include a rechargeable secondary battery.For example, the auxiliary battery 1522 may include a lithium (Li)-ionbattery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and theauxiliary battery 1522 may include a rechargeable power storage elementsuch as an electric double-layer condenser, a lithium-ion capacitor, ora super-capacitor.

The power controller 1530 may obtain state information of the main powersupplier 1510 and the auxiliary power supplier 1520. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the power controller 1530 may recognize a state wherethe main battery 1512 is removed or separated from the battery mountportion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 48. The power controller 1530may provide information about the state where the main battery 1512 isremoved or separated to the processor 1200.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the main battery 1512 isremoved or separated, the power controller 1530 may switch a powersupply source so that a driving voltage is applied by the auxiliarybattery 1522 to each element of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 under thecontrol of the processor 1200.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the power supplier 1500 may receive powerfrom an external power supplier connected through the charging port1030, as shown for example in FIG. 4A. The power supplier 1500 maycharge the main battery 1512 with the power received from the externalpower supplier or may supply driving power to the X-ray receiver 1100,the processor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator 1400.

A conventional mobile X-ray detector generates an X-ray image of anobject, stores the generated X-ray image in the volatile memory 1310 bywriting the generated X-ray image, and transmits the stored X-ray imageto a workstation. However, because the volatile memory 1310 has no limiton the number of updates and is unable to permanently store the X-rayimage, when transmission of the X-ray image to the workstation iscompleted or a new X-ray image is stored, the pre-stored X-ray image isdeleted. In particular, when a battery of the conventional mobile X-raydetector has no remaining amount of charge or insufficient amount ofcharge, the battery is separated, or power is forcibly turned off due toan external input, power supply to the volatile memory 1310 may be cutoff and the X-ray image may be lost. When X-ray image data generated bythe conventional mobile X-ray detector is lost, re-imaging has to beperformed and an X-ray image has to be re-emitted unnecessarily to apatient's body, thereby leading to excessive X-ray emission.

When there occurs an exceptional situation in which the main battery1512 is separated or removed from the battery mount portion 1550, asshown for example in FIG. 4B, a remaining amount of charge of the mainbattery 1512 is not enough to operate the mobile X-ray detector 1000, orthe power button 1540, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, is pressed bythe user and thus the X-ray image is unable to be transmitted to theworkstation, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 according to an embodimentof the disclosure may store the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory1320, thereby preventing loss of the X-ray image. Because the mobileX-ray detector 1000 may store the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory1320, and then when power is re-supplied, the mobile X-ray detector 1000transmits the X-ray image pre-stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 tothe workstation, excessive X-ray emission due to re-imaging may beprevented. Also, because the mobile X-ray detector 1000 of thedisclosure may include the auxiliary battery 1522, the mobile X-raydetector 1000 may maintain power for a certain time even in anunexpected situation in which power of the main battery 1512 is cut offand may store the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory 1320 for acertain time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains an X-ray image of an object according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, an X-ray imaging apparatus may include the mobileX-ray detector 1000 and the workstation 2000. Although not shown in FIG.6, the X-ray imaging apparatus may further include an X-ray emitter, forexample an X-ray tube, that generates an X-ray and emits the generatedX-ray.

The workstation 2000 may receive a command or the like from a user andmay transmit a control signal for controlling the X-ray emitter and themobile X-ray detector 1000 to the X-ray emitter and the mobile X-raydetector 1000 based on the received command of the user. The workstation2000 may include a controller 2200, as shown for example in FIG. 14,that controls the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the command and acommunicator 2400, as shown for example in FIG. 14, that communicateswith an external device. The workstation 2000 may further include a userinput interface 2100, as shown for example in FIG. 14, that receives theusers command and a display 2300, as shown for example in FIG. 14, thatdisplays a user interface (UI) for obtaining an X-ray image andmanipulating the X-ray image, in addition to the controller 2200 and thecommunicator 2400. An example of a workstation 2000 will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 14.

In operation S610 of FIG. 6, the workstation 2000 transmits imaginginformation about X-ray imaging to the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may receive userinput includes an input of imaging information required for X-rayimaging through the user input interface 2100, as shown for example inFIG. 14, and the controller 2200, as shown for example in FIG. 14, mayreceive the imaging information from the user input interface 2100. Theimaging information may include information about at least one of, forexample, patient identification information (patient ID), an imagingprotocol, imaging conditions, or an imaging timing. The communicator2400, as shown for example in FIG. 14, of the workstation 2000 maytransmit the imaging information to the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In operation S620, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits an imagingpreparation signal and the currently obtained imaging information. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may detectan X-ray, may identify a state where an X-ray image of an object may begenerated, and may transmit information about the identified state tothe workstation 2000.

In operation S630, the workstation 2000 transmits an X-ray imaginginstruction signal to the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In an embodimentof the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may transmit an imaginginstruction signal to the X-ray emitter through the communicator 2400,as shown for example in FIG. 14. The controller 2200, as shown forexample in FIG. 14, of the workstation 2000 may control the imagingtiming and the imaging conditions of the X-ray emitter, and may controla position or a direction of the X-ray emitter according to a positionof an imaging target portion of the patient and the imaging protocol.

In operation S640, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 detects the X-rayemitted from the X-ray emitter and transmitted through the object, inresponse to the X-ray imaging instruction signal. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may detect the X-raytransmitted through the object through the X-ray receiver 1100, as shownfor example in FIG. 5, and may generate an electrical signalcorresponding to an intensity of the detected X-ray.

In operation S650, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 obtains an X-ray imageby converting the detected X-ray into an electrical signal. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for examplein FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may generate the X-rayimage of the object by amplifying the electrical signal that is ananalog signal and converting the amplified electrical signal into adigital signal.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maytemporarily store the obtained X-ray image in the volatile memory 1310,as shown for example in FIG. 5.

In operation S660, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits the obtainedX-ray image to the workstation 2000.

There may occur an exceptional situation in which the mobile X-raydetector 1000 is unable to transmit the X-ray image to the workstation2000 in operation S660, an example of which will be described in detailwith reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operating method of the mobile X-raydetector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S710, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 generates an X-rayimage of an object. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor1200, as shown for example in FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000may temporarily store the generated X-ray image in the volatile memory1310, as shown for example in FIG. 5.

In operation S710, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may transmit the X-rayimage stored in the volatile memory 1310 to the workstation 2000, asshown for example in FIG. 6.

In operation S720, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 detects an exceptionalsituation in which power supply is stopped or cut off and thus the X-rayimage is unable to be transmitted to the workstation 2000. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may detectan occurrence of an exceptional situation in which the main battery1512, as shown for example in FIG. 5, is separated or removed from thebattery mount portion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 4B, a remainingamount of charge of the main battery 1512 is not enough to operate eachelement of the mobile X-ray detector 1000, or the power button 1540, asshown for example in FIG. 4A, is pressed due to a user's manipulation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 of the mobileX-ray detector 1000 may receive an input pressing the power button 1540due to the user's manipulation, and may count a time elapsed from a timewhen the input pressing the power button 1540 is received. An example ofa specific method of processing the X-ray image according to the inputpressing the power button 1540 will be described with reference to FIG.8.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown forexample in FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may receive adetection signal indicating that the main battery 1512 is separated orremoved from the battery mount portion 1550 from a sensor included inthe battery mount portion 1550, and may detect detachment of the mainbattery 1512 based on the received detection signal. An example of thedetection of the detachment of the main battery 1512 and a specificoperating method of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 after the detectionwill be described with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10.

In operation S730, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 stores the X-ray imagein a nonvolatile memory inside the mobile X-ray detector 1000. Thenonvolatile memory may include at least one type of storage medium fromamong a flash memory, eMMC, a hard disk, a ROM, EEPROM, PROM, a magneticmemory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

In operation S740, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 turns off power of themobile X-ray detector 1000 after the X-ray image is stored. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for examplein FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may determine whether theX-ray image is stored in the nonvolatile memory by scanning thenonvolatile memory. After the processor 1200 determines that the storingof the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory is completed, the processor1200 may control the power supplier 1500, as shown for example in FIG.5, to turn off power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, even when the processor 1200receives a signal indicating that a user input pressing the power button1540 is detected, the processor 1200 may determine whether the X-rayimage is stored in the nonvolatile memory without immediately turningoff power, and after it is determined that the storing of the X-rayimage is completed, the processor 1200 may control the power supplier1500 to turn off power.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method by which the mobile X-ray detector1000 turns off power according to an input pressing the power button1540, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

In operation S810, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 detects an input ofpressing the power button 1540. In an embodiment of the disclosure, whenthe mobile X-ray detector 1000 is in an on state and the power button1540 is pressed due to a user's manipulation, the processor 1200, asshown for example in FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 mayobtain a power-off signal for instructing to turn off power from thepower button 1540. The processor 1200 may detect the input pressing thepower button 1540 based on the obtained power-off signal. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may obtain informationabout a time when the power button 1540 is pressed due to the user'smanipulation, based on a time when the power-off signal is obtained.

When the input pressing the power button is detected, at operation S820the mobile X-ray detector 1000 stops transmission of an X-ray image tothe workstation 2000. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mobileX-ray detector 1000 may identify imaging information of the X-ray imagefor which transmission is stopped. For example, the mobile X-raydetector 1000 may identify at least one information from among patientidentification information, an imaging protocol, imaging conditions, oran imaging timing of the X-ray image whose transmission is stopped andthat is not normally transmitted to the workstation 2000.

When the input pressing the power button is not detected, at operationS822 the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits the generated X-ray imageto the workstation 2000.

In operation S830, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies whether theX-ray image whose transmission is stopped is stored in a nonvolatilememory. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 of themobile X-ray detector 1000 may determine whether the non-transmittedX-ray image whose transmission to the workstation 2000 is stopped isstored in the nonvolatile memory by scanning the nonvolatile memory. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may scan thenonvolatile memory based on the imaging information of thenon-transmitted X-ray image identified in operation S820, and maydetermine whether the X-ray image corresponding to the imaginginformation of the non-transmitted X-ray image is stored in thenonvolatile memory.

When the processor 1200 determines that the X-ray image whosetransmission is stopped is stored in the nonvolatile memory, atoperation S840 the mobile X-ray detector 1000 counts a time for whichthe user input pressing the power button lasts. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the processor 1200 of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maydetermine that the input continuously presses the power button 1540 froma time when the power-off signal is obtained from the power button 1540is received, and may count a time elapsed while the power button 1540 ispressed.

When it is determined that the X-ray image whose transmission is stoppedis not stored in the nonvolatile memory, at operation S842 the mobileX-ray detector 1000 identifies the non-transmitted X-ray image based onthe imaging information and stores the non-transmitted X-ray image inthe nonvolatile memory.

In operation S850, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 compares the countedtime with a predetermined threshold value (t_(a)). The predeterminedthreshold value (t_(a)) may be a set time value and may be, for example,but is not limited to, 5 seconds.

When the counted time is greater than the predetermined threshold value(t_(a)), at operation S860 power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 isturned off. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the counted time isgreater than the predetermined threshold value (t_(a)), the processor1200 of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may control the power supplier1500, as shown for example in FIG. 5, to cut off driving power suppliedto the processor 1200, the memory 1300, as shown for example in FIG. 5,and the communicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5.

When the counted time is less than the predetermined threshold value(t_(a)), the mobile X-ray detector 1000 returns to operation S810 inwhich the input pressing the power button 1540 is detected.

FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram of the power supplier 1500 inside themobile X-ray detector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the power supplier 1500 may include the mainbattery 1512, the auxiliary power supplier 1520, a first DC/DC converter1514 a, a second DC/DC converter 1514 b, a third DC/DC converter 1514 c,and the power controller 1530.

The main battery 1512 may include a rechargeable secondary battery. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the main battery 1512 may supplydriving power to the processor 1200 and the memory 1300 at a ratedvoltage of 12 V.

The first DC/DC converter 1514 a may convert a voltage of the mainbattery 1512. The first DC/DC converter 1514 a may convert a directcurrent (DC) voltage of 12 V applied from the main battery 1512 into 5V. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 that is alow-power processor may be designed to receive a driving voltage of 5 V.The first DC/DC converter 1514 a may receive the voltage of 12 V outputfrom the main battery 1512 and may down-convert the voltage of 12 V into5 V.

The power controller 1530 may control supply of the voltage of 5 Voutput through the first DC/DC converter 1514 a. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the power controller 1530 may receive the voltage of 5 Vfrom the first DC/DC converter 1514 a, may supply part of the voltage tothe auxiliary power supplier 1520, and may supply remaining part of thevoltage to the second DC/DC converter 1514 b and the third DC/DCconverter 1514 c.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the power controller 1530 may obtainstate information of the main battery 1512 and the auxiliary powersupplier 1520. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the power controller1530 may recognize a state where the main battery 1512 is removed orseparated from the battery mount portion 1550, as shown for example inFIG. 4B, and may provide information about the recognized state to theprocessor 1200. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the power controller1530 may switch power to apply a driving voltage to the processor 1200and the memory 1300 through the auxiliary power supplier 1520, accordingto a control signal obtained from the processor 1200, which will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 98.

The second DC/DC converter 1514 b may convert the voltage of 5 Vreceived from the first DC/DC converter 1514 a into 3.3 V. The secondDC/DC converter 1514 b may supply the voltage of 3.3 V as a drivingvoltage for driving the processor 1200.

The third DC/DC converter 1514 c may convert the voltage of 5 V receivedfrom the first DC/DC converter 1514 a into 1.35 V. The third DC/DCconverter 1514 c may supply the voltage of 1.35 V as a driving voltagefor driving the processor 1200 and the memory 1300.

The auxiliary power supplier 1520 may include the auxiliary battery1522, as shown for example in FIG. 5. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the auxiliary battery 1522 may be a rechargeable secondarybattery. For example, the auxiliary battery 1522 may include a Li-ionbattery. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary powersupplier 1520 may include a rechargeable power storage element such asan electric double-layer condenser, a lithium-ion capacitor, or asuper-capacitor. The auxiliary power supplier 1520 may perform chargingby using the voltage of 5 V received from the first DC/DC converter 1514a.

FIG. 9B is a circuit diagram of the power supplier 1500 inside themobile X-ray detector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a diagram for describing an operating method of the powersupplier 1500 when a main battery (12 V) is removed or separated in FIG.9A. Accordingly, the same elements as those in FIG. 9A will not berepeatedly described.

Referring to FIG. 98, the main battery 1512 may be removed or separatedfrom the battery mount portion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 4B.When the main battery 1512 is removed or separated, the processor 1200may obtain information about detachment of the main battery 1512 from asensor of the battery mount portion 1550, and may provide theinformation about the detachment of the main battery 1512 to the powercontroller 1530. The power controller 1530 may cut off connection withthe first DC/DC converter 1514 a based on the information obtained fromthe processor 1200, and may switch power to apply a driving voltage tothe processor 1200 and the memory 1300 through the auxiliary powersupplier 1520.

The auxiliary power supplier 1520 may supply power pre-stored in theauxiliary battery 1522, as shown for example in FIG. 5, or asuper-capacitor to the processor 1200 and the memory 1300. The auxiliarypower supplier 1520 may supply a driving voltage to the processor 1200and the memory 1300 for a predetermined time from when separation orremoval of the main battery 1512 is recognized. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the auxiliary power supplier 1520 may supply a drivingvoltage to the X-ray receiver 1100, as shown for example in FIG. 5, andthe communicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5, as well as theprocessor 1200 and the memory 1300. The predetermined time may be a timefrom when a driving voltage is supplied to the X-ray receiver 1100, theprocessor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator 1400 by usingpower pre-stored in the auxiliary power supplier 1520 to when thepre-stored power is exhausted. The predetermined time may be set to varyaccording to a power storage capacity of the auxiliary power supplier1520.

The processor 1200 may store an X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory1320 for the predetermined time, an example of which will be describedin detail with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation performed by theprocessor 1200 of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 based on a power supplystate of the power supplier 1500 over time according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the power supplier 1500 may include the mainbattery 1512 and the auxiliary battery 1522.

In operation S1010, the processor 1200 detects removal of the mainbattery 1512 at a time t₁. Although the main battery 1512 supplies adriving voltage V_(u) before the time t₁ to each element of the mobileX-ray detector 1000, the main battery 1512 may be removed or separatedfrom the battery mount portion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 4B, atthe time t₁. The driving voltage V₀ may be a voltage for driving theX-ray receiver 1100, the processor 1200, the memory 1300, and thecommunicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the driving voltage V₀ may be a sum of a voltage of 3.3V and a voltage of 1.35 V for driving the processor 1200 and the memory1300, as shown for example in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The processor 1200 mayobtain information indicating that the main battery 1512 is removed orseparated at the time t₁ through a sensor of the battery mount portion1550.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary battery 1522, instead ofthe main battery 1512, supplies the driving voltage V₀ to the X-rayreceiver 1100, the processor 1200, the memory 1300, and the communicator1400 at the time t₁. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliarybattery 1522 may supply the driving voltage V₀ to the processor 1200 andthe memory 1300 at the time t₁ when the removal or separation of themain battery 1512 is detected under the control of the power controller1530, as shown for example in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In operation S1020, the processor 1200 stores an X-ray image in thenonvolatile memory 1320, as shown for example in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may store the X-rayimage in the nonvolatile memory 1320 for a predetermined duration (Δt)between the time t₁ when the removal of the main battery 1512 isdetected and a time t₂. The predetermined duration (Δt) may be aduration for which the driving voltage may be supplied to the elements,e.g., the X-ray receiver 1100, the processor 1200, the memory 1300, andthe communicator 1400, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 by using theauxiliary battery 1522. The predetermined duration (Δt) may be a periodof time during which power pre-stored in the auxiliary battery 1522 isexhausted, and may be set to vary according to a power storage capacityof the auxiliary battery 1522.

In operation S1030, the processor 1200 turns off power after the time t₂when the power pre-stored in the auxiliary battery 1522 is completelyexhausted. In an embodiment of the disclosure, before the time t₂, theprocessor 1200 may determine whether the storing of the X-ray image inthe nonvolatile memory 1320 is completed. After the processor 1200determines that the storing of the X-ray image is completed, theprocessor 1200 may control the power controller 1530, as shown forexample in FIGS. 9A and 9B, to cut off the driving voltage supplied tothe X-ray receiver 1100, the processor 1200, the memory 1300, and thecommunicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5.

In operation S1040, the processor 1200 detects that power isre-supplied. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the main battery1512 is re-mounted or the driving voltage is applied from an externalpower supplier at a time t₃, the processor 1200 may obtain a signalindicating that power supply is resumed from the power controller 1530.

In operation S1050, the processor 1200 transmits the X-ray image to aworkstation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 maycontrol the communicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5, totransmit the X-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 to theworkstation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 maycontrol the communicator 1400 to transmit imaging information of eachX-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 to the workstation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of turning off power when powersupply to the mobile X-ray detector 1000 is stopped or cut off accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1110, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 detects an occurrenceof an exceptional situation in which power supply is stopped or cut offand thus an X-ray image is unable to be transmitted to a workstation. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maydetect an occurrence of an exceptional situation in which the mainbattery 1512, as shown for example in FIG. 5, is separated or removedfrom the battery mount portion 1550, as shown for example in FIG. 4B, aremaining amount of charge of the main battery 1512 is not enough tooperate each element of the mobile X-ray detector 1000, or the powerbutton 1540, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, is pressed due to a user'smanipulation. Before operation S1110, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maygenerate an X-ray image of an object by detecting an X-ray emitted by anX-ray emitter to the object and transmitted through the object. Themobile X-ray detector 1000 may store the generated X-ray image in avolatile memory.

In operation S1120, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies whetherthe external memory card 1330, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, isinserted into the external memory socket 1020, as shown for example inFIG. 4A. The external memory card 1330 may include at least one of, forexample, a multimedia card micro type or card type memory, for example asecure digital (SD) memory or an extreme digital (XD) memory. Theexternal memory card 1330 may be separated from the external memorysocket 1020, when the external memory card 1330 is not normally mountedon the external memory socket 1020 due to its low durability or when themobile X-ray detector 1000 falls to the floor due to poor manipulation.The processor 1200 may monitor a state of the external memory socket1020, and may determine whether the external memory card 1330 isappropriately inserted by accessing the external memory card 1330through the external memory socket 1020.

When the controller 120 determines that the external memory card 1330 isinserted into the external memory socket 1020, at operation S1130 themobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies state information about whetherthe external memory card 1330 may store the X-ray image. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for examplein FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may identify stateinformation including at least one of a card type of the external memorycard 1330 inserted into the external memory socket 1020, compatibilityinformation with the mobile X-ray detector 1000, capacity information,or information about whether a write operation is possible. Theprocessor 1200 may determine whether the external memory card 1330 maystore the X-ray image based on the identified state information. Forexample, the processor 1200 may determine whether the external memorycard 1330 may store the X-ray image by identifying residual capacityinformation of the external memory card 1330 and comparing the residualcapacity information with a file size of the X-ray image.

After the state information of the external memory card 1330 isidentified, at operation S1140 the mobile X-ray detector 1000 stores theX-ray image in the external memory card 1330. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the processor 1200 may store, in the external memory card1330, the X-ray image that is temporarily stored in a volatile memory.

In operation S1150, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 turns off power. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 may determinewhether the X-ray image is stored in the external memory card 1330 byscanning the external memory card 1330 through the external memorysocket 1020. After the processor 1200 determines that the storing of theX-ray image in the external memory card 1330 is completed, the processor1200 may control the power supplier 1500, as shown for example in FIG.5, to turn off power of the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

When it is identified in operation S1120 that the external memory card1330 is not inserted into the external memory socket 1020 or when it isidentified in operation S1130 that the external memory card 1330 isunable to store the X-ray image, the processor 1200 may turn off powerof the mobile X-ray detector 1000 at operation S1150.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method by which the mobile X-ray detector1000 processes an X-ray image according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. In FIG. 12, a generated X-ray image is stored in theexternal memory card 1330, regardless of an exceptional situation due tointerruption or cut-off of power supply to the mobile X-ray detector1000.

In operation S1210, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 generates an X-rayimage of an object, and stores the generated X-ray image in a volatilememory. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector1000 may generate the X-ray image of the object by detecting an X-rayemitted by an X-ray emitter to the object and transmitted through theobject. A specific method of generating the X-ray image of the objectmay be the same as that of FIG. 6, and thus a repeated explanation willbe omitted.

The mobile X-ray detector 1000 may temporarily store the generated X-rayimage in the volatile memory.

In operation S1220, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 determines whetherthe external memory card 1330, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, isinserted into the external memory socket 1020, as shown for example inFIG. 4A. The external memory card 1330 may include at least one of, forexample, a multimedia card micro type or card type memory, for examplean SD memory or an XD memory. The external memory card 1330 may beseparated from the external memory socket 1020, when the external memorycard 1330 is not normally mounted on the external memory socket 1020 dueto its low durability or when the mobile X-ray detector 1000 falls tothe floor due to poor manipulation. The processor 1200 may monitor astate of the external memory socket 1020, and may determine whether theexternal memory card 1330 is appropriately inserted by accessing theexternal memory card 1330 through the external memory socket 1020.

In operation S1230, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies stateinformation about whether the external memory card 1330 may store theX-ray image. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, asshown for example in FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 mayidentify state information including at least one of a card type of theexternal memory card 1330 inserted into the external memory socket 1020,compatibility information with the mobile X-ray detector 1000, capacityinformation, or information about whether a write operation is possible.The processor 1200 may determine whether the external memory card 1330may store the X-ray image based on the identified state information. Forexample, the processor 1200 may determine whether the external memorycard 1330 may store the X-ray image by identifying residual capacityinformation of the external memory card 1330 and comparing the residualcapacity information with a file size of the X-ray image.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 maytransmit the state information of the external memory card 1330 to aworkstation. The workstation may receive the state information, and maydisplay, on a display, information about whether the X-ray image may bestored in the external memory card 1330. A user may determine whetherthe X-ray image may be stored in the external memory card 1330 andwhether the external memory card 1330 needs to be replaced through theinformation displayed on the display.

In operation S1240, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 stores the X-rayimage in the external memory card 1330 and transmits the X-ray image tothe workstation at the same time. In an embodiment, at least a portionof the X-ray image may be stored in the external memory card 1330 whileat least a portion of the X-ray image is being transmitted to theworkstation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200 maycontrol the communicator 1400, as shown for example in FIG. 5, to storeat least one X-ray image in the external memory card 1330 and transmitthe at least one X-ray image to the workstation at the same time. Inoperation S1240, unlike in FIG. 11, all of the at least one X-ray imageobtained for the object may be stored in the external memory card 1330regardless of interruption or cut-off of power supply. Also, inoperation S1240, unlike in FIG. 11, the at least one X-ray image may bestored and transmitted at the same time. In general, in order totransmit at least one X-ray image to a workstation, a transmission timemay be required according to a data communication environment and adelay due to the transmission time may occur. However, because themobile X-ray detector 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosuremay transmit at least one X-ray image and may store the at least oneX-ray image in the external memory card 1330 at the same time, aprocessing speed may be increased and an unnecessary time delay may beavoided.

In operation S1250, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 receives atransmission completion signal from the workstation.

In related art, a mobile X-ray detector may operate by obtaining anX-ray image of an object, temporarily storing the X-ray image in avolatile memory, and transmitting the stored X-ray image to aworkstation. Also, even when the mobile X-ray detector 1000 includes thenonvolatile memory 1320, the nonvolatile memory 1320 generally includesa flash memory or eMMC, and in this case, the number of times an X-rayimage may be stored, that is, the number of write cycles, is limited toabout 10,000. For example, when a size of one X-ray image obtained whenthe mobile X-ray detector 1000 images an object is about 20 megabytesand the mobile X-ray detector 1000 obtains 500 X-ray images a day, themobile X-ray detector 1000 stores, in a flash memory, an image data fileof about 10 gigabytes a day. Because the number of write cycles of theflash memory is limited, there is a limitation in storing all X-rayimages. Also, when it is impossible to write or read data to or from theflash memory attached to a main board in the mobile X-ray detector 1000,the housing 1010, as shown for example in FIG. 4A, of the mobile X-raydetector 1000 may be removed and related parts may be replaced, whichmay cause significant monetary damage.

Unlike such an internal flash memory, the external memory card 1330 maybe easily replaced, and when a failure or a malfunction occurs, a newexternal memory card 1330 may be used. Because the mobile X-ray detector1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure uses the externalmemory card 1330, convenience may be improved and monetary damage may bereduced.

However, the external memory card 1330 may have a higher failure ratethan the flash memory due to its low durability or the like. In order tosolve durability problems, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 according toan embodiment of the disclosure may monitor state information of theexternal memory card 1330 and may store an X-ray image according to amonitoring result.

FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusprocesses an X-ray image stored in the external memory card 1330, asshown for example in FIG. 4A, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1310, the workstation 2000 receives a user input forinstructing to delete an X-ray image displayed on a display. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may display at leastone X-ray image for which the storage in the external memory card 1330of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 and the transmission to theworkstation 2000 are completed, on the display. A user may select anX-ray image to be deleted from among the at least one X-ray imagedisplayed on the display.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may display atleast one thumbnail image respectively corresponding to the at least oneX-ray image, on the display. The user may select a thumbnail imagecorresponding to the X-ray image to be deleted from among the at leastone thumbnail image displayed on the display.

In operation S1320, the workstation 2000 obtains imaging information ofthe X-ray image selected based on the user input. For example, theimaging information may include information about at least one of, forexample, patient identification information (patient ID), an imagingprotocol, imaging conditions, or an imaging timing.

In operation S1330, the workstation 2000 transmits the obtained imaginginformation of the X-ray image to the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may transmit theimaging information of the X-ray image to the mobile X-ray detector 1000by using the communicator 2400, as shown for example in FIG. 14.

In operation S1340, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies an X-rayimage corresponding to the received imaging information from among theat least one X-ray image stored in the external memory card 1330. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for examplein FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may scan the externalmemory card 1330, and may obtain imaging information of each of the atleast one X-ray image stored in the external memory card 1330. Theprocessor 1200 may identify an X-ray image having the same imaginginformation as the imaging information received from the workstation2000 from among the obtained imaging information of the at least oneX-ray image.

In operation S1350, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 deletes theidentified X-ray image from the external memory card 1330.

FIG. 13B is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusprocesses an X-ray image stored in the external memory card 1330, asshown for example in FIG. 4A, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1312, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 detects a storagecapacity shortage of the external memory card 1330. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for example in FIG. 5, ofthe mobile X-ray detector 1000 may identify size information of a storedfile and residual capacity information by scanning the external memorycard 1330. The processor 1200 may compare a residual capacity of theexternal memory card 1330 with a size of one X-ray image and maydetermine whether the residual capacity of the external memory card 1330is unable to store the X-ray image. For example, a size of one X-rayimage may be, but is not limited to, about 20 megabytes.

In operation S1322, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits anotification signal indicating a storage capacity shortage of theexternal memory card 1330, to the workstation 180.

In operation S1332, the workstation 2000 receives a user input forinstructing to delete at least one X-ray image pre-stored in theexternal memory card 1330. In an embodiment of the disclosure, theworkstation 2000 may display the at least one X-ray image pre-stored inthe external memory card 1330 on a display.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may receive auser input for instructing to delete all of the at least one X-ray imagedisplayed on the display. In another embodiment of the disclosure, theworkstation 2000 may receive a user input for selecting one or more fromamong the at least one X-ray image displayed on the display.

In operation S1342, the workstation 2000 transmits a deletion signal forinstructing to delete the X-ray image to the mobile X-ray detector 1000.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may transmitimaging information corresponding to the X-ray image instructed to bedeleted to the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In operation S1352, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 deletes the at leastone X-ray image pre-stored in the external memory card 1330 based on thedeletion signal. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1200may identify an X-ray image corresponding to the imaging informationfrom among the at least one X-ray image pre-stored in the externalmemory card 1330 based on the imaging information of the X-ray image tobe deleted obtained from the workstation 2000, and may delete theidentified X-ray image. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when aninstruction to delete all of the at least one X-ray image pre-stored inthe external memory card 1330 is received from the workstation 2000, theprocessor 1200 may delete all of the at least one X-ray image pre-storedin the external memory card 1330.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, because the mobile X-ray detector 1000 deletes theX-ray image identified by the user from among the at least one X-rayimage pre-stored in the external memory card 1330, capacity problems ofthe external memory card 1330 may be solved.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating elements of the workstation 2000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The workstation 2000 may receive a command or the like from a user, andmay transmit a control signal for controlling an X-ray emitter and themobile X-ray detector 1000 to the X-ray emitter and the mobile X-raydetector 1000 based on the received command of the user.

Referring to FIG. 14, the workstation 2000 may include the user inputinterface 2100, the controller 2200, the display 2300, and thecommunicator 2400.

The user input interface 2100 may receive a user input that manipulatesthe X-ray emitter and the mobile X-ray detector 1000, obtains an X-rayimage, or processes the obtained X-ray image. The user input interface2100 may include a hardware element such as, but not limited to, abutton, a key pad, a mouse, a track ball, a touchpad, a touchscreen, ora jog switch. When the display 2300 includes a touchscreen, the userinput interface 2100 may be integrated with the touchscreen and mayreceive a touch input of the user.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the user input interface 2100 mayreceive a user input selecting one of at least one user interfacedisplayed on the display 2300. In an embodiment of the disclosure, theuser input interface 2100 may receive a user input selecting one of aplurality of thumbnail images displayed on the display 2300.

The controller 2200 may control functions or operations of the userinput interface 2100, the display 2300, and the communicator 2400.

The controller 2200 may include a processor and a memory. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may include a memorythat stores program code and data for performing a certain function, anda processor that processes the program code and the data stored in thememory. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may beimplemented in any of various combinations of one or more memories andone or more processors. The processor may generate and delete a programmodule according to an operation state of the workstation 2000, and mayprocess operations of the program module.

The processor of the controller 2200 may be implemented as a hardwaredevice having a computing capability for general-purpose imageprocessing. For example, the processor of the controller 2200 mayinclude a hardware module including at least one of a central processingunit (CPU), a microprocessor, or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

The memory that is a hardware device for storing program code or datafor performing each function of the workstation 2000 may include, but isnot limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory(ROM).

The display 2300 may display a screen image for guiding a user input, anX-ray image, and a screen image showing state information of an X-rayimaging apparatus. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the display 2300may display an X-ray image or a thumbnail image of the X-ray image underthe control of the controller 2200. The display 2300 may be a passivedevice operating under the control of the controller 2200. The display2300 may include a physical device including at least one of, forexample, but not limited to, a liquid-crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay panel (PDP) display, an organic light-emitting (OLED) display, afield-emission display (FED), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, avacuum fluorescent display (VFD) display, a digital light processing(DLP) display, a flat-panel display, a three-dimensional (3D) display,or a transparent display. In an embodiment of the disclosure, thedisplay 2300 may include a touchscreen including a touch interface.

The communicator 2400 may be connected to an external device, forexample an external server, a medical device, or a portable terminal,for example a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a wearable device, and maytransmit or receive data. In an embodiment of the disclosure, thecommunicator 2400 may perform data communication by using a wired orwireless communication method with the mobile X-ray detector 1000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communicator 2400 may receive acontrol signal from the external device, may transmit the receivedcontrol signal to the controller 2200, and may control the controller120 to control the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the receivedcontrol signal. Also, the controller 2200 may transmit a control signalto the external device through the communicator 2400 and may control theexternal device according to the control signal of the controller 2200.For example, the external device may process data of the external deviceaccording to a control signal of the controller 2200 received throughthe communicator 2400.

The communicator 2400 may include one or more elements for communicationwith the external device. The communicator 2400 may perform datacommunication with the mobile X-ray detector 1000 by using at least oneof data communication methods including wired LAN, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, Zigbee, WFD, IrDA, BLE, NFC, Wibro, WiMAX, SWAP, WiGig, andRF communication.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may control thedisplay 2300 to display, on the display 2300, at least one userinterface (UI) indicating imaging information of at least onenon-transmitted X-ray image that is not transmitted to the workstation2000 or whose transmission to the workstation 2000 is stopped from amongat least one X-ray image generated by the mobile X-ray detector 1000 andstored in the nonvolatile memory 1320, as shown for example in FIG. 5.The imaging information may include patient identification information,for example patient id, and imaging protocol information of each of theat least one non-transmitted X-ray image.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the user input interface 2100 mayreceive a user input selecting one of at least one user interfacedisplayed on the display 2300. The user input interface 2100 may providea signal for the user input to the controller 2200. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the controller 2200 may transmit a query signal forrequesting to transmit an X-ray image corresponding to the userinterface selected according to the received user input and imaginginformation of the X-ray image, to the mobile X-ray detector 1000through the communicator 2400.

The controller 2200 may obtain the X-ray image corresponding to theimaging information from among the at least one non-transmitted X-rayimage stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 of the mobile X-ray detector1000, from the mobile X-ray detector 1000 through the communicator 2400.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may control thedisplay 2300 to display the obtained X-ray image on the display 2300.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may receiveimaging information of each of a plurality of X-ray images generated bythe mobile X-ray detector 1000 and information about transmission, fromthe mobile X-ray detector 1000 through the communicator 2400. Theinformation about transmission may include information about whethertransmission of the X-ray image is completed, the X-ray image is nottransmitted, or X-ray image is stopped from being transmitted to theworkstation 2000 from among the plurality of X-ray images.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, as the controller 2200 receives theimaging information of each of the plurality of X-ray images and theinformation about transmission, the controller 2200 may control thecommunicator 2400 to transmit a signal for requesting to transmit aplurality of thumbnail images of the plurality of X-ray images to themobile X-ray detector 1000. The controller 2200 may obtain the pluralityof thumbnail images from the mobile X-ray detector 1000 through thecommunicator 2400.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the controller 2200 may control thedisplay 2300 to display the obtained plurality of thumbnail images onthe display 2300. The controller 2200 may select one of the plurality ofthumbnail images based on a user input received through the user inputinterface 2100. The controller 2200 may control the communicator 2400 totransmit, to the mobile X-ray detector 1000, a signal for requesting totransmit a first X-ray image corresponding to the selected thumbnailimage from among the plurality of X-ray images. The controller 2200 mayobtain the first X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector 1000,through the communicator 2400.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a user interface displayed on the display 2300of the workstation 2000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15, the display 2300 of the workstation 2000 maydisplay a user interface for an X-ray image of an object obtained by themobile X-ray detector 1000. The user interface may include protocolinformation of the X-ray image and an imaging portion.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the display 2300 may display a firstuser interface (UI) 2310 indicating an X-ray image that is completedbeing obtained by the mobile X-ray detector 1000 and transmitted to theworkstation 2000 and imaging protocol information of the X-ray image, asecond UI 2320 indicating imaging protocol information of an X-ray imagethat is obtained by the mobile X-ray detector 1000 but is nottransmitted to the workstation 2000, and a third UI 2330 indicatingimaging protocol information of an X-ray image that is not obtained bythe mobile X-ray detector 1000.

The first UI 2310 may include an image 2312 of the X-ray image that iscompleted being obtained and transmitted and imaging protocolinformation 2314 of the X-ray image. The image 2312 included in thefirst UI 2310 may be, but is not limited to, the X-ray image receivedfrom the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In an embodiment of the disclosure,the image 2312 may be a thumbnail image of the X-ray image. The imagingprotocol information 2314 may include at least one of an imaging targetportion, a position or a posture of the mobile X-ray detector 1000during imaging, or patient ID information. The imaging protocolinformation 2314 may be displayed using characters or a symbol.

The second UI 2320 may include a non-transmission UI 2322 and imagingprotocol information 2324 indicating that transmission of the X-rayimage is stopped or failed. The non-transmission UI 2322 may include animage of an imaging target portion and at least one indicator from amongcharacters, a symbol, a display, a color, or a pattern indicating anon-transmission state. In an embodiment of the disclosure, thenon-transmission UI 2322 may overlay text, e.g., ‘Send Fail’, fornotifying that the X-ray image is not transmitted on the image of theimaging target portion. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto,and the non-transmission U 2322 may display any other type of text orindicator such as an ‘X’ on the image of the imaging target portion, ormay display the image of the imaging target portion in a color, e.g., ared color, to be distinguished from the image 2312 of the first UI 2310.

The third UI 2330 may include an image 2332 of the X-ray image that isnot obtained and imaging protocol information 2334. The image 2332 maybe an image of a portion to be imaged. When the X-ray image is completedbeing obtained by the mobile X-ray detector 1000 and transmitted to theworkstation 2000, the image 2332 may be changed to the obtained X-rayimage or a thumbnail image of the obtained X-ray image.

A user may identify the non-transmission UI 2322 displayed on thedisplay 2300, and may obtain imaging protocol information correspondingto a non-transmitted X-ray image through the imaging protocolinformation 2324. The user input Interface 2100 may receive a user inputselecting the non-transmission UI 2322 of the second UI 2320. Althoughthe user input is a touch input in FIG. 15 for convenience ofexplanation, the user input is not limited to the touch input.

The controller 2200, as shown for example in FIG. 14, may control thecommunicator 2400 to transmit, to the mobile X-ray detector 1000, arequest signal for requesting to transmit the non-transmitted X-rayimage displayed on the non-transmission UI 2322 based on the user inputobtained from the user input interface 2100.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains a non-transmitted X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector1000 and displays the obtained non-transmitted X-ray image according toan embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1610, the workstation 2000 displays at least one UIindicating imaging information of a non-transmitted X-ray image on thedisplay 2300, as shown for example in FIG. 14. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the at least one UI may include at least one of an imagingtarget portion of the non-transmitted X-ray image, a position or postureof the mobile X-ray detector 1000 during imaging, or patient IDinformation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one UI may include animage of the imaging target portion and at least one indicator fromamong characters, a symbol, a display, a color, or a pattern indicatinga non-transmission state. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the atleast one UI may overlay text, e.g., ‘Send Fail’, for notifying that anX-ray is not transmitted on the image of the imaging target portion.However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the at least one Umay display ‘X’ on the image of the imaging target portion or maydisplay the image of the imaging target portion in a color, e.g., a redcolor, to be distinguished from a U indicating an X-ray image whosetransmission is completed.

In operation S1620, the workstation 2000 receives a user input selectingone of the displayed at least one UI.

In operation S1630, the workstation 2000 transmits, to the mobile X-raydetector 1000, imaging information of an X-ray image corresponding tothe selected UI and a request signal for requesting to transmit theX-ray image.

In operation S1640, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies an X-rayimage corresponding to the received imaging information from among atleast one non-transmitted X-ray image stored in the nonvolatile memory1320, as shown for example in FIG. 5. The processor 1200, as shown forexample in FIG. 5, of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may scan thenonvolatile memory 1320 and may obtain imaging information of each ofthe at least one non-transmitted X-ray image stored in the nonvolatilememory 1320. The processor 1200 may identify an X-ray image having thesame imaging information as the imaging information received from theworkstation 2000 from among the obtained imaging information of the atleast one X-ray image.

In operation S1650, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits theidentified X-ray image to the workstation 2000.

In operation S1660, the workstation 2000 displays the received X-rayimage on the display 2300.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a user interface displayed on the display 2300of the workstation 2000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, the workstation 2000 may detect a non-transmittedX-ray image whose transmission is stopped or failed from the mobileX-ray detector 1000, and may display a retransmission UI 2340 related toretransmission of the detected non-transmitted X-ray image on thedisplay 2300. The retransmission UI 2340 may be displayed on the display2300 only when the non-transmitted X-ray image is detected from themobile X-ray detector 1000.

When the user input interface 2100, as shown for example in FIG. 14,receives a user input selecting the retransmission UI 2340, thecontroller 2200, as shown for example in FIG. 14, may control thecommunicator 2400, as shown for example in FIG. 14, to transmit, to themobile X-ray detector 1000, a request signal for requesting to transmita thumbnail image of the non-transmitted X-ray image. The controller2200 may obtain a plurality of thumbnail images, e.g., first throughthird thumbnail images 2352, 2354, and 2356, of a plurality ofnon-transmitted X-ray images through the communicator 2400, and maydisplay the obtained first through third thumbnail images 2352, 2354,and 2356 on the display 2300.

The user input interface 2100 may receive a user input selecting thethird thumbnail image 2356 from among the first through third thumbnailimages 2352, 2354, and 2356 displayed on the display 2300. Thecontroller 2200 may select the third thumbnail image 2356 based on theuser input received through the user input interface 2100, and maycontrol the display 2300 to display third imaging protocol information2364 corresponding to the third thumbnail image 2356 from among imagingprotocol information included in a work list 2360 to be distinguishedfrom other imaging protocol information.

The user input interface 2100 may receive a user input selecting thethird imaging protocol information 2364. The controller 2200 may controlthe communicator 2400, as shown for example in FIG. 14, to transmit, tothe mobile X-ray detector 1000, a request signal for requesting totransmit an X-ray image corresponding to the third Imaging protocolinformation 2364 selected based on the user input. In an embodiment ofthe disclosure, the controller 2200 may receive the X-ray imagecorresponding to the third imaging protocol information 2364 from themobile X-ray detector 1000 through the communicator 2400, and maycontrol the display 2300 to display the X-ray image on the work list2360.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the controller 2200 receivesthe X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector 1000, the controller 2200may transmit a deletion signal for instructing to delete the X-ray imagefor which transmission through the communicator 2400 to the mobile X-raydetector 1000 is completed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method by which an X-ray imaging apparatusobtains an X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector 1000 according toan embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1810, the workstation 2000 transmits a request signal forrequesting imaging information of each of a plurality of X-ray imagesstored in the mobile X-ray detector 1000. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, when the workstation 2000 detects a non-transmitted X-rayimage for which transmission is stopped or failed from the mobile X-raydetector 1000, the workstation 2000 may display the retransmission UI2340, as shown for example in FIG. 17, on the display 2300, as shown forexample in FIG. 14, and when the workstation 2000 receives a user inputselecting the displayed retransmission UI 2340, the workstation 2000 maytransmit, to the mobile X-ray detector 1000, a request signal forrequesting to transmit the non-transmitted X-ray image.

In operation S1812, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits, to theworkstation 2000, the imaging information of each of the plurality ofX-ray images and information about transmission. In an embodiment of thedisclosure, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may transmit, to theworkstation 2000, information about whether each of the plurality ofX-ray images stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320 has completedtransmission, is not transmitted, or has been stopped from beingtransmitted.

In operation S1820, the workstation 2000 transmits, to the mobile X-raydetector 1000, a request signal for requesting to transmit a thumbnailimage of each of the plurality of X-ray images.

In operation S1830, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 generates a pluralityof thumbnail images of the plurality of X-ray images in response to therequest signal received from the workstation 2000.

In operation S1832, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits theplurality of thumbnail images to the workstation 2000.

In operation S1840, the workstation 2000 displays the received pluralityof thumbnail images on the display 2300, as shown for example in FIG.14.

In operation S1850, the workstation 2000 receives a user input selectinga first thumbnail image from among the plurality of thumbnail images. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may receive a userinput selecting the first thumbnail image from among the displayedplurality of thumbnail images through the user input interface 2100, asshown for example in FIG. 14, and may display first imaging protocolinformation of the first thumbnail image selected based on the receiveduser input to be distinguished from other imaging protocol information.

In operation S1852, the workstation 2000 transmits, to the mobile X-raydetector 1000, a request signal for requesting transmission of a firstX-ray image corresponding to the selected first thumbnail image. In anembodiment of the disclosure, the workstation 2000 may transmit, to themobile X-ray detector 1000, imaging information of the first X-ray imagecorresponding to the first thumbnail image along with the requestsignal.

In operation S1860, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 identifies the firstX-ray image corresponding to the first thumbnail image in response tothe request signal received from the workstation 2000. In an embodimentof the disclosure, the processor 1200, as shown for example in FIG. 5,of the mobile X-ray detector 1000 may scan the nonvolatile memory 1320,as shown for example in FIG. 5, may obtain imaging information of eachof the plurality of X-ray images stored in the nonvolatile memory 1320,and may identify the first X-ray image having the same imaginginformation as the imaging information received from the workstation2000 from among the obtained imaging information of the plurality ofX-ray images.

In operation S1862, the mobile X-ray detector 1000 transmits theidentified first X-ray image to the workstation 2000.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as a software programincluding instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

A computer which is an apparatus capable of calling stored instructionsfrom a storage medium and operating according to an embodiment of thedisclosure according to the called instructions may include an X-rayimaging apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure.

The computer-readable storage medium may be provided as a non-transitorystorage medium. Here, ‘non-transitory’ means that the storage mediumdoes not include a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguishwhether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storagemedium.

In addition, a mobile X-ray detector, an X-ray imaging apparatus, and anoperating method of the mobile X-ray detector and the X-ray imagingapparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure may be provided ina computer program product. The computer program product may be tradedbetween a seller and a purchaser as a product.

The computer program product may include a software program and acomputer-readable storage medium storing the software program. Forexample, the computer program product may include a product, for examplea downloadable application, that is electronically distributed as asoftware program through an electronic market, for example Google PlayStore or AppStore, or a manufacturer of an X-ray imaging apparatus. Forelectronic distribution, at least a part of the software program may bestored in a storage medium or may be temporarily generated. In thiscase, the storage medium may be a storage medium of a server of themanufacturer, a server of the electronic market, or a relay server thattemporarily stores the software program.

The computer program product may include a storage medium of a server ora storage medium of a device in a system including the server and thedevice. In embodiments, when a third apparatus, for example asmartphone, communicating with the server or the device exists, thecomputer program product may include a storage medium of the thirdapparatus. In embodiments, the computer program product may include asoftware program itself transmitted from the server to the device or thethird apparatus or from the third apparatus to the device.

In this case, one from among the server, the device, and the thirdapparatus may execute the computer program product and may perform amethod according to embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, twoor more from among the server, the device, and the third apparatus mayexecute the computer program product and may perform the methodaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

For example, the server, for example a cloud server or an artificialintelligence (AI) server, may execute the computer program productstored in the server and may control the device communicating with theserver to perform the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

In embodiments, the third apparatus may execute the computer programproduct and may control the device communicating with the thirdapparatus to perform the method according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

When the third apparatus executes the computer program product, thethird apparatus may download the computer program product from theserver and may execute the downloaded computer program product. Inembodiments, the third apparatus may execute the computer programproduct that is preloaded and may perform the method according toembodiments of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented on computer-readablerecording media storing instructions and data executable by computers.The instructions may be stored as program code, and when being executedby a processor, may cause a certain program module to be generated and acertain operation to be performed. Also, when executed by the processor,the instructions may cause certain operations of embodiments of thedisclosure to be performed.

Embodiments of the disclosure have been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The embodiments ofthe disclosure should be considered in descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, performed by a mobile X-ray detector,of processing an X-ray image, the method comprising: generating theX-ray image of an object by detecting an X-ray transmitted through theobject and converting the detected X-ray into an electrical signal;detecting a power supply stoppage which prevents transmission of thegenerated X-ray image from the mobile X-ray detector to a workstation;based on the detecting of the power supply stoppage, storing the X-rayimage in a nonvolatile memory inside the mobile X-ray detector; andafter storing the X-ray image, deactivating the mobile X-ray detector.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining that thestoring of the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory is completed,wherein the mobile X-ray detector is deactivated after the storing ofthe X-ray image is determined to be completed.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the power supply stoppage occurs based on a user input ofpressing a power button disposed on a side portion of the mobile X-raydetector and exposed to an outside of the mobile X-ray detector, whereinthe deactivating the mobile X-ray detector comprises: counting an amountof time for which the power button is pressed; and based on the countedamount of time being greater than a predetermined amount of time,deactivating the mobile X-ray detector.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the detecting of the power supply stoppage comprises detecting aremoval of a main battery mounted on the mobile X-ray detector, whereinthe method further comprises supplying power to the mobile X-raydetector through an auxiliary power supplier located inside the mobileX-ray detector for a predetermined time after detecting the removal ofthe main battery.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the predeterminedtime starts when power is supplied to the mobile X-ray detector usingpower pre-stored in the auxiliary power supplier, and ends when thepre-stored power is exhausted, wherein the X-ray image is stored in thenonvolatile memory during the predetermined time.
 6. The method of claim1, further comprising: detecting whether an external memory card isinserted into a socket of the mobile X-ray detector; and identifyingstate information comprising at least one of a type of the externalmemory card, compatibility information, capacity information, orinformation about whether a write operation is possible, wherein thestoring of the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memory comprises storingthe X-ray image in the external memory card based on the stateinformation.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after themobile X-ray detector is deactivated, detecting a power supplyactivation; and after the power supply activation is detected,reactivating the mobile X-ray detector and transmitting the X-ray imagestored in the nonvolatile memory to the workstation.
 8. A mobile X-raydetector for processing an X-ray image, the mobile X-ray detectorcomprising: an X-ray receiver configured to detect an X-ray transmittedthrough an object and convert the detected X-ray into an electricalsignal; a communicator configured to perform data communication with aworkstation; a memory configured to store instructions for processingthe X-ray image; a processor configured to execute the instructionsstored in the memory; and a power supplier configured to supply power tothe X-ray receiver, the processor, the memory, and the communicator,wherein the processor is configured to: generate the X-ray image of theobject by using the electrical signal, detect a power supply stoppagewhich prevents transmission of the X-ray image to the workstation, basedon the detecting of the power supply stoppage, store the X-ray image ina nonvolatile memory, and deactivate the mobile X-ray detector after theX-ray image is stored.
 9. The mobile X-ray detector of claim 8, whereinthe processor is further configured to determine that the storing of theX-ray image in the nonvolatile memory is completed, and then control thepower supplier to deactivate the mobile X-ray detector.
 10. The mobileX-ray detector of claim 8, further comprising a power button disposed ona side portion of the mobile X-ray detector and exposed to an outside ofthe mobile X-ray detector, wherein the power supply stoppage occurs dueto a user input of pressing the power button, wherein the processor isfurther configured to count an amount of time for which the power buttonis pressed, and when the counted time is greater than a predeterminedthreshold amount of time, deactivate the mobile X-ray detector.
 11. Themobile X-ray detector of claim 8, wherein the power supplier comprises amain battery detachably mounted on the mobile X-ray detector and anauxiliary power supplier located inside the mobile X-ray detector,wherein the processor is further configured to detect a removal of themain battery and to control the auxiliary power supplier to supply powerto the X-ray receiver, the processor, the memory, and the communicatorfor a predetermined time after detecting the removal of the mainbattery.
 12. The mobile X-ray detector of claim 11, wherein thepredetermined time starts when power is supplied to the mobile X-raydetector using power pre-stored in the auxiliary power supplier, andends when the pre-stored power is exhausted, wherein the processor isfurther configured to store the X-ray image in the nonvolatile memoryduring the predetermined time.
 13. The mobile X-ray detector of claim 8,wherein the memory comprises an external memory card inserted into asocket of the mobile X-ray detector and capable of storing data, whereinthe processor is further configured to: detect whether the externalmemory card is inserted into the socket, identify state informationcomprising at least one of a type of the external memory card,compatibility information, capacity information, or information aboutwhether a write operation is possible, and store the X-ray image in theexternal memory card based on the state information.
 14. The mobileX-ray detector of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configuredto detect a power supply activation after the mobile X-ray detector isdeactivated, and to reactivate the mobile X-ray detector and control thecommunicator to transmit the X-ray image stored in the nonvolatilememory to the workstation after the power supply activation is detected.15. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a mobile X-ray detector; anda workstation, wherein the workstation comprises: a display; a userinput interface; a communicator configured to perform data communicationwith the mobile X-ray detector; and a controller, wherein the controlleris configured to: control the display to display at least one userinterface (UI) indicating imaging information of at least onenon-transmitted X-ray image from among X-ray images generated by themobile X-ray detector, control the user input interface to receive auser input selecting a UI of the at least one UI, and control thecommunicator to transmit, to the mobile X-ray detector, imaginginformation of an X-ray image corresponding to the selected UI and arequest signal for requesting transmission of the X-ray image, whereinthe mobile X-ray detector is configured to identify the X-ray imagebased on the received imaging information from among the at least onenon-transmitted X-ray image stored in a nonvolatile memory based on therequest signal received from the workstation, and to transmit theidentified X-ray image to the workstation, and wherein the controller isfurther configured to control the display to display the X-ray imageobtained from the mobile X-ray detector on the display.
 16. The X-rayimaging apparatus of claim 15, wherein the imaging information comprisespatient identification information and imaging protocol information ofthe at least one non-transmitted X-ray image.
 17. An X-ray imagingapparatus comprising: a mobile X-ray detector; and a workstation,wherein the workstation comprises: a display; a user input interface; acommunicator configured to perform data communication with the mobileX-ray detector; and a controller, wherein the controller is configuredto: control the communicator to receive, from the mobile X-ray detector,imaging information of a plurality of X-ray images generated by themobile X-ray detector and information about transmission of theplurality of X-ray images, after receiving the imaging information ofthe plurality of X-ray images and the information about the transmissionof the plurality of X-ray images, transmit a request signal forrequesting a plurality of thumbnail images of the plurality of X-rayimages to the mobile X-ray detector, and receive the plurality ofthumbnail images from the mobile X-ray detector, control the display todisplay the plurality of thumbnail images on the display, and controlthe communicator to receive a user input selecting a thumbnail image ofthe displayed plurality of thumbnail images through the user inputinterface and transmit, to the mobile X-ray detector, a request signalfor requesting transmission of an X-ray image corresponding to theselected thumbnail image, and wherein the mobile X-ray detector isconfigured to: generate the plurality of thumbnail images correspondingto the plurality of X-ray images in response to the request signal,transmit the generated plurality of thumbnail images to the workstation,and transmit the X-ray image to the workstation.
 18. The X-ray imagingapparatus of claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured todetect a non-transmitted X-ray image and to control the display todisplay, on the display, a user interface (UI) for requestingtransmission of the non-transmitted X-ray image.
 19. The X-ray imagingapparatus of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured toreceive a user input selecting the UI through the user input interface,and to transmit, to the mobile X-ray detector, a request signalrequesting transmission of the imaging information of the plurality ofX-ray images and the information about the transmission of the pluralityof X-ray images based on the received user input, and wherein the mobileX-ray detector is further configured to transmit the imaging informationof the plurality of X-ray images and the information about thetransmission of the plurality of X-ray images to the workstation basedon the request signal.
 20. A computer-readable recording medium havingembodied thereon at least one program for executing the method of claim1.